Most of us need 8–9 hours of continuous sleep for a good rest. Moreover, it is important that the dream is strong enough, and the phase of deep sleep – as long as possible. Lack of sleep is not only a bad mood and reduced working capacity: numerous studies confirm that regular lack of sleep adversely affects our health and even life expectancy. This is what happens to our health if we do not get enough sleep all the time.
Reaction is reduced
The less we slept, the more time it takes us to concentrate and concentrate, and the likelihood of making the wrong decision increases. Driving a car, strength training and other activities that require a good reaction, it is better to postpone if you do not get enough sleep.
Memory worsens
Didn’t sleep all night, trying to better prepare for the exam or important performance? We have bad news: most likely, the test will pass worse than it could. Lack of sleep affects our ability to remember new information, as well as retrieve already stored information in time.
Immunity is weakened
During sleep, we not only relax, but also recover. A study two years ago confirmed: sleep really accelerates recovery from respiratory viral diseases, such as flu. During sleep, the immune system produces protective substances, such as cytokines, that fight bacteria and viruses. If we sleep little, cytokines become insufficient to effectively deal with aggressors and we become ill.
Increased risk of heart disease
A full night’s rest helps control blood sugar and blood pressure – the latter factor is especially important for the health of the cardiovascular system. Many modern studies confirm the direct relationship between insomnia and an increased risk of stroke and heart attack.
Increased risk of depression
A 2017 study, in which 10 thousand people took part, confirmed: the risk of developing depression increases five-fold in those people who suffer from insomnia. Moreover, sleep loss is one of the first symptoms of this disease, and lack of sleep only worsens the symptoms.
Gaining excess weight
The less we sleep, the lower the level of leptin, which regulates metabolism, and the higher – ghrelin, the so-called “hunger hormone”. In addition, if we slept less than we need, we often choose junk food, trying to cope with stress in this way.
Diabetes risk increases
Good sleep helps the body process glucose. If we constantly sleep less than we need, the cells process glucose more slowly and the risk of diabetes increases significantly.
Picture Credit: Zohre Nemati